On 14 August 1947, the state of Pakistan was established as a democratic Muslim country. It was envisioned as a beacon of hope, guaranteeing freedom of religion for Muslims and other religious minorities.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, was a strong opponent of the state of Israel. He refused to recognise Israel, viewing its creation as a profound injustice.

Fast forward to 2025: the current military dictatorship took power by imprisoning the former democratically elected Prime Minister, Imran Khan under direct orders from the American administration.

Recently, scores of people were shot dead during a pro-Palestinian demonstration. Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) had organised a march towards the US Embassy in Islamabad to protest against the normalisation of relations between Pakistan and the Zionist state. While TLP believed the march had the approval of the military, it ended tragically in a massacre.

What message is this sending to the people of Pakistan? Is the country moving toward a Saudi-style regime, where the suffering of the Ummah is overlooked for the personal gains of its leaders?

Imran Khan would have unequivocally opposed normalisation with Israel. This stance contributed to his removal, despite being the most popular candidate in recent elections.

This leads to the conclusion that Pakistan’s current leadership is undermining the country’s democratic foundations and betraying the principles on which Pakistan was founded: justice and security for all Muslims.

Mohammed Iqbal, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and countless others sacrificed their lives in the name of Allah to establish a free, independent state built on unity, freedom, and brotherhood.

Pakistan was the realisation of Iqbal’s dream, founded on the principle of *La ilaha illallah*—a country providing freedom for Muslims. Yet today, we seem divided from this common cause. Jinnah envisioned Pakistan on the pillars of Deen, unity, brotherhood, and discipline.

Understanding the hardships he endured underscores his intent: to provide Muslims a state where they could live without fear.

Under the current military dictatorship, Pakistan is sleepwalking toward catastrophe. Historically, power has often been granted to the wrong people, or when good leaders emerge, they are removed on the orders of Western powers.

These so-called leaders have shown little solidarity with their own country or people. As an Ummah, on a broader political and economic scale, we must do more. Remaining silent will serve none of us.